Benefits of garlic

Garlic’s
usage for cures and treatment has been handed down throughout the centuries
from generations down and it’s proclaimed to be the best know grandma’s remedy.
This miracle bulb has been known for its prowess of keeping away evil spirits
such as vampires and also for its unique healing properties.

Garlic is one of
the most important ingredients of an Asian and Mediterranean kitchen and many
cuisines are not complete without its addition. Apart from its importance in
the kitchen garlic, also known as Allium Sativum in Latin; is well-known for
its medicinal qualities.

Herbal medicine strongly advocates the usage of garlic
and it is extensively used in herbal medicines. This article covers some of the
known benefits of garlic both in and outside the kitchen.

Cholesterol:
Proven studies have been published to combat the effects of garlic on the human
cholesterol levels and it has been found helpful to manage high cholesterol
levels. Studies have shown that garlic has the ability to lower triglyceride
and increase fibrinolysis in the body. It has been known to increase the
release of insulin and regulate the blood sugar levels in diabetes.

High blood
pressure: Garlic has been known for its properties of reducing high blood
pressure in the body. It is considered as one of the most effective among all
natural ingredients capable of controlling the blood pressure mainly because of
its ability to slow down the pulse and modify the heart rate.

Skin
ailments: Skin disorders like acne and pimple have shown beneficial results
through the

application of garlic. Rubbing a clove of garlic over acne and
pimples have seen to make them disappear without leaving any marks. Skin
infections can be kept at bay by consuming garlic regularly as it is known to
cleanse the blood stream.

Bacterial
and fungal infections: Garlic has anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral and
anti bacterial properties which helps in keeping the body safe from any such
infections. Yeast and other fungal infections, intestinal parasites have been
known to be kept at bay by the regular consumption of garlic. Because of its
anti viral properties garlic helps in keeping skin infections away.

Cold and
sinusitis: Although unproven, garlic is still considered as one of the best
remedies for cold and sinus related problems. Heating oil with a few cloves of
garlic and rubbing on the forehead relieves sinus induced headaches.

Apart from
the above, other benefits of garlic include curing any digestive problems,
treating warts and other skin infections, reducing toothache, treatment of cold
and flu, reducing earache etc.

Side
effects: Garlic in its natural form i.e. when in cloves does not have any
benefits as such as its main beneficial chemical compound called allicin is
only produced when a garlic clove is finely chopped, crushed or bruised. Garlic
does not have any side effects, however some people might be allergic to large
quantities of garlic. It is also infamous for producing bad breath and mouth wash
is recommended if you are consuming garlic before a meeting. Also if any other medicine is already being
used for any treatment, a physician should always be consulted before trying out
any alternative treatments.